Faith Academy Counselor Found Guilty by a Jury of Failure to Report

MOBILE, Alabama –  A Mobile County jury has found Faith Academy guidance counselor Carrie Meredith guilty of Failure to Report, announced District Attorney Keith Blackwood.

The conviction stems from Meredith’s failure to report suspected sexual misconduct involving a teacher and student from Faith Academy, as required under Alabama law.

Evidence presented during trial showed that Meredith, a mandatory reporter under Alabama law, received information regarding inappropriate conduct involving a teacher and a student but failed to make the required report to the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). Alabama law requires certain professionals, including teachers and school counselors, to report suspected child abuse or neglect so trained investigators can assess and protect the welfare of children.

The conviction follows Meredith’s previous conviction in Mobile County District Court. Meredith appealed that conviction to Mobile County Circuit Court, where a jury heard the evidence and returned a guilty verdict.

District Attorney Keith Blackwood issued the following statement:

“Alabama’s mandatory reporting law exists for a reason. When concerns about possible abuse or sexual misconduct involving a child come to light, the law requires those concerns to be reported so trained professionals can investigate. Today’s verdict reaffirms that this responsibility is not optional. Teachers, counselors, and school employees are often the first line of defense in protecting children from abuse. When mandatory reporters fail to act, it can prevent critical information from reaching the agencies responsible for protecting vulnerable children.”

The State of Alabama was represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Susman, Assistant District Attorneys Clay Rossi and Chris McDonough as well as Trial Coordinator Josie Sheaffer.